I sat for a little while in a side chapel dedicated to the people of Ukraine in Chester Cathedral and wrote this (loose) villanelle.

 

God bless the peoples of Ukraine

In their greatest hours of need

May He give strength to ease their pain.

 

And thus he presses this insane

War on those who will not cede

God bless the peoples of Ukraine

 

As from the skies cruel Death doth rain

And childrens’ bodies break and bleed

May God give strength to ease their pain.

 

And history will mark like Cain

Putin, Russia and its seed

God bless the peoples of Ukraine

 

For never shall be cleansed this stain

With propaganda of this deed

May He give strength to ease their pain.

 

I lit a candle for the slain

And prayed that Peace will come with speed

God bless the peoples of Ukraine

May He give strength to ease their pain.